by Gisela D. Perez

Created on: March 18, 2008   Last Updated: March 24, 2008

Not every romantic relationship works out however that does not mean that both parties involved are not good people or did not have a good relationship. There are many people who make excellent friends but are not so great as a romantic couple, this is a frequent situation in the world of dating today. When a romantic relationship is based on open communication and friendship it is easy to maintain that friendship even after the romance has evaporated. If said relationship was a long-term relationship and ended on good terms then it is only natural of the pair to become very good friends and yes, even the very best of friends. When you spend so much of your life with someone, it is very natural to want to continue on with some sort of relationship as having this person to share things with has become a routine part of your life. Each situation and couple is different and therefore there chances or success at becoming best friends lays within the pair.

There are however some situations where honestly being best friends with an ex can be difficult internally. When romantic feelings continue to exist for either or both parties it can cause feelings of jealous when one of them starts to date again. It can cause hurt, bitterness and frustration for one or both which in turn creates more of an emotional roller coaster and less of a friendship. Add sexual attraction that still exists and now you have quite a tangled web of confused emotions, unsure roles and borders that are quite murky. Of course if the relationship ended on bad terms or was violent or abusive in nature then a friendship should be out of the question.

If the couple has moved past these issues or these issues are nonexistent for them and they share still a close bond, things in common, mutual respect and a clear understanding of each other's boundaries then there is no reason why they can't continue on to be best friends. As long as they feel that they can laugh together, support one another, be honest with each other, not be jealous of each other's relationships and are comfortable with each other then they make a great pair of best friends. And who knows, bridesmaids or groomsmen at each other's weddings?

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